I know there are many dog lovers. I am not against dogs, I used to have two of them. But stories about dog attacks or getting bit are not rare. I take walk daily. From east coast to west, there were leash laws in the town I live or lived. Still I had been bitten twice. The dog did bit my leg through the pents and the owner is saying, it is a friendly dog. But owner have to take the responsibility. Otherwise it is more than inconvenience for the public.

I think there should be very strict rules that a dog outside the house should be on leash. I would suggest a minimum of $500 fine for the violators.

I agree. I love dogs but I do not assume that all dogs are friendly. Even dogs that have never bitten anyone before or indicated that they might bite can have an episode where it can happen if conditions are right.

Yes I agree too. We have a dog (Labrador) who is super friendly but is always on a lead out in the street, and only let off in the off-leash park. Even there, people are required to have control of their dogs and of course it is not acceptable to let an aggressive dog off. Fortunately the dogs there are well socialised but there can be the occasional squabble among them.

I've been bitten once by a dog, when I was 12 or so. A big dog too. I've never been afraid of them, not before and not since. (I didn't even tell my mother I had been bitten, she found out a week after the fact Didn't think it serious, while I had three nice puncture marks in my thigh).

We always had dogs. And all of them were well-behaved. My last dog (I've moved on to cats now, though, I'd love to get a dog again...) was a rather dominant one. She was very protective of me (she once even threw herself between a me and a dog that was at least thrice her size. My mother and I were the only one that could take care of the bite marks...). Whenever kids would want to pet her, I'd always tell them off (she disliked kids, of any breed... they do say dogs will look like their owner )

I would never say: Oh she'll not bite. Any dog can bite, for any reason, simply because she thinks she's cornered. Especially if the one coming towards the dog is a stranger. Dogs are still protective, no matter their breed and upbringing. Corner them, and they'll react.

Location: The Olympic Peninsula on the OTHER Washington! (the big green clean one on the west coast!)

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I've had about 15 different bites now I guess because I am so involved with dogs. everyone of them boiled down to owner responsibility issues (including bites from my own dogs). I believe most places in the US have leash laws, the issue is a matter of enforcement, or lack thereof

I've had about 15 different bites now I guess because I am so involved with dogs. everyone of them boiled down to owner responsibility issues (including bites from my own dogs). I believe most places in the US have leash laws, the issue is a matter of enforcement, or lack thereof

vow! 15 bites and still not angry. It's not a matter of scared but it takes the fun out of walking for me, if I believe a lose dog can chase me. I believe leash laws should be enforced strictly. Otherwise these are no good.

I agree with everyone else. Owners definitely need to take responsibility for their dogs. I'll put a little twist on it and suggest that people educate themselves on dog behavior and learn what to watch out for when coming into contact with dogs. Dogs do communicate and if you can learn to recognize some signs of possible danger it would be to your benefit. Like people, dogs can be unpredictable so it's best to be ready to protect yourself and knowledge helps.

Dogs are as individual as people. Some like everybody; some don't want to be disturbed; some want to make up their own minds; some want to be friends but are afraid.

In any case, it is the owner's responsibility to keep the dog under control. Even the overly affectionate, totally friendly, would slobber you to death given half a chance dog can be too much some people.

I agree with everyone else. Owners definitely need to take responsibility for their dogs. I'll put a little twist on it and suggest that people educate themselves on dog behavior and learn what to watch out for when coming into contact with dogs. Dogs do communicate and if you can learn to recognize some signs of possible danger it would be to your benefit. Like people, dogs can be unpredictable so it's best to be ready to protect yourself and knowledge helps.

I agree that it will be helpful to learn dog behavior. I have a question. If you're walking and see a dog out there looking at you from other side of the road, is it better to avoid looking at it or look at it and see what it is about to do. Sometimes if you ignore them, they don't bother you.

It will be nice if someone can share some important points on dog behavior to avoid conflict with them. It is no fun to carry a stick or pepper spray when walking.

I've found it is best just to not be scared of them. Although, I realize that is a lot easier said than done, but if you just realize that you aren't going to out run even the smallest dog it does make it a little easier.

My parents live in the mountains and there are a few people where they live that either don't have fences, or their dogs can get out of the fences. On several occasions I've tried to go for a jog or a walk and had some big dogs come running after me. I immediately stop running. I do keep my eye on the dog, but I don't to stare it down. I walk to the other side of the street and try to get out of the dog's territory. I also will talk calmly to the dog -- telling him he is a "good boy" and his owner is a moron. I'm not threatening but I'm not scared either. I also don't try petting the dog. Eventually they get bored and go back home. So far, I've never been bit.